Endorphins and Ventilatory Control

Abstract

Opiate-receptor sites and enkephalins are found in high concentrations in the solitary nuclei and area postrema of the medulla. These areas are thought to be important as relay stations for a variety of chemical and sensory stimuli that affect ventilation. Thus, a number of investigators have looked for an effect of endogenous opioids on ventilatory control. Such studies have now been performed in fetal, neonatal, and adult animals as well as in adult human beings.The first study was performed in newborn rabbits.¹ Profound asphyxia in the newborn animal produces a characteristic and reproducible response. At first there is hyperpnea; . . .